Study Abroad in Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is the world's second largest country by total area. Canada's common border with the United States to the south and northwest is the longest in the world.

2. Facts:

Flag

Time zone
Summer (DST)

(UTC−3.5 to −8)
(UTC−2.5 to −7)

Capital

Ottawa

Total Area

9,984,670 sq km

Largest city

Toronto

Population

34,406,000 (2011 estimate)

Official language(s)

English and French

Government

Federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy

GDP (Nominal)

$45,657 (2010 estimate)
(Per capita)

Calling code

+1

Currency

Canadian Dollar ($) (CAD)

3. Higher Education System:

In Canada, the constitutional responsibility for higher education rests with the provinces of Canada. The decision to assign responsibility for universities to the local legislatures, cemented in the British North America Act, 1867, which was renamed the Constitution Act in 1982, was contentious from its inception. The Act states "in and for each Province, the Legislature may exclusively make laws in relation to Education". As a result of this constitutional arrangement, a distinctive system of education, including higher education, has evolved in each province. However, as the constitutional responsibility for Aboriginal Peoples with Treaty Status rests with the federal government of Canada under the Constitution Act of 1982, it is the federal government that is largely responsible for funding higher education opportunities for Aboriginal learners, whether in traditional post-secondary institutions or in settings that promote opportunities to pursue indigenous education.

Number of universities in Canada: 90

Number of full-time university students: 806,000

Number of community colleges, technical institutes and CEGEPs: 175

Number of full-time college students: 900,00

4. Why Canada?:

The United Nations ranked Canada as the best place in the world to live! This assessment was based upon Canada's achievements in terms of educational attainment, life expectancy, national income and general quality of life. It also included Canada's abundance of fresh water, comfortable population density, low incidence of violent crime and a health care system that is a model for the world.

Canada's education system is excellent and ranks among the best in the world. Moreover Canadian tuition fees are among the lowest in English-speaking countries.

Internationally recognized degrees. Canada boasts a wide range of quality educational institutions for both degrees and diplomas in technical and professional disciplines. Over 106,000 international students attend Canadian colleges and universities. This means that you can meet people from around the world as well as people from your own country.

Possibility to work in Canada after graduation. International students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to THREE years after they receive their degree or diploma. International students can work on campus without a work permit & can work off-campus with a open work permit.

A safe, stable country. Canada is a peaceful, politically stable, and safe country. It has laws that protect the rights of its citizens and it is relatively unaffected by natural disasters. Almost 65 per cent of international students involved in a 1999 CBIE survey cited Canada's reputation as a safe country as an important reason for deciding to study here.

Excellent health care. Compared to other countries, medical insurance is inexpensive in Canada yet the services that Canadian hospitals provide are among some of the most advanced and accessible in the world.

Learn or improve another language! For over a century, Canada's two official languages (English and French) have been taught as second languages which is they are world leaders in language training. International students often choose to take language courses before beginning a regular academic program.

A multicultural country. Canada is home to a large number of aboriginal people, called First Nations. Over the past century and a half, Canada has welcomed 15 million immigrants. Every year, some 200,000 new immigrants arrive here making Canada the nation that receives the most newcomers annually based on its population, which recently exceeded 31 million. Canada has a national policy for multiculturalism and works to ensure that people's customs and traditions are preserved and respected.

Nature and four distinct seasons. While Canada has big cities, they also preserve a huge amount of unsettled land and a thriving national and provincial parks system. The temperature varies a great deal in Canada. Certain cities almost never have snow in the winter while other cities may get a lot. There's something for everyone, including indoor and outdoor recreational activities at no or low cost. Canada's four distinct seasons offer variety and their own special pleasures.

Canada is waiting for you! Canadians can be reserved with newcomers but are generally very welcoming and respectful of differences. Their educational institutions encourage new students from abroad and many have targets to increase their numbers of international students. One thing is for sure-your time in Canada will be something that you will never forget!

5. Cost:

Canadian universities are cheapest among UK, USA, Australia. Average international tuition is around CA$15,000 per year.